We headed to Tamworth Castle Grounds parkrun for event 113. This helped me with a number of my parkrun challenges and also wasn’t too far away from home. Another reason I picked it was for it being flat and on path. This week I decided to straight run it, rather than Jeff.
Tamworth Castle Grounds, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B79 7NA
Facilities at Tamworth Castle Grounds parkrun
There were a few options for parking and we went with the Jolly Sailor car park (B78 3JJ). This was 400m from the start and took us less than 5 minutes. This was pay by phone and took a little extra time to update the app, add payment details etc. Plus the price it said it was for parking then had a pay by phone fee on top!
Lately I do like to pick a parkrun that has a toilet. These were right near the start/end. Thank you so much to the gentleman that let me go first, as he said he wasn’t running.
Tamworth Castle Grounds parkrun Course
This beautiful course is, as the name suggests, run in the beautiful Tamworth Castle Grounds.
Dog friendly and pushchair accessible (pretty sure I even saw someone with a double buggy!)
An event great for children with a skate park, play areas (even with a play castle) and there was even the fair there this week! Not to mention it being right by the Snowdome!
Shoes
As I say, Tamworth Castle Grounds parkrun is flat and on path (mix of concrete and tarmac) – so definitely road shoes.
Laps
It is sort of two laps. However, the first lap has an additional bit in that you do not repeat the second time. Fiona, who did the first timers briefing, not only explained this well during the briefing but also was a marshal at that point and reminded us again.
Route of Tamworth Castle Grounds parkrun
The description of the course was great. Telling us which way to turn. How many times we would go under “pigeon poo bridge,” how we would head to the Snowdome, turn around points and planet walk. Plus the slight incline and pinch points/out and back.
Also with views of the Castle, rivers Anker and Tame.
Elevation
Described as having one small incline – but personally I would say there are 3 slight inclines. Obviously the one being more noticeable than others. The first is before the actual one – as I thought oh that wasn’t too bad!
My Experience at Tamworth Castle Grounds parkrun
Honestly I don’t know where I got the idea but I was convinced that the start and finish were in different places. Therefore, I left my top and our water back at the car. This will teach me for being last minute.com with my decisions.
What this meant for me was that I was cold before the start. Also it wasn’t even far from the carpark so I was still for quite a while. Yes I know that really I should do a warm up. As it was I was just shivering and my husband hugged me under his jacket.
Running
This event saw me straight running. My watch did have the Jeffing intervals going off but it was quite difficult to get moving. Whenever I did manage to get around people it pinched again. Of course it would have been possible to get round but it just felt rude to squeeze by in parts. Especially if I was then going to walk!
Views
As it was I could just enjoy the stunning views and actually have the breath to thank the volunteers! Of course the castle, and the planets (with details about the planet) but also the street art under the bridge.
Also thank you for the photo. By the last km I think I sped up and so didn’t even manage a proper sprint finish. A great capture nonetheless!
Statistics for Tamworth Castle Grounds parkrun Event 113
Results were out quickly (10:22am), and saw:
- 361 participants. Consisting of 194 male, 158 female and 9 unknown.
- With everyone finishing within 55:58 and 185 sub30 finishers.
- Well done to first finisher David Williams on his new PB of 17:55. First Lady, Lucy Poole, also had a PB of 21:20.
- In fact 69 participants obtained course PBs! Well done to all.
First Timers
Also welcome to the parkrun community 11 first timers! Fiona did an excellent first timers briefing. It was both comical and informative. So I am positive that they will return!
Volunteers
Thank you to the 41 volunteers who made it possible. Well done to Lisa on her 10th volunteer.
They were great for ensuring that I didn’t get lost, was reminded to keep left, and encouraged along the way.
Other parkruns nearby that I have done: Sutton parkrun (8m); Babbs Mill parkrun (9.9m); and Perry Hall parkrun (11.7m)
Visit these other bloggers who cover parkrun: Sarah at Mum of Three World, Jackie at Never Imitate and Chrissy at It’s Me Chrissy J